Casey Kriley

Kriley joined Magical Elves at its founding in 2001, rising from EVP of current programming to COO and then to co-CEO in August of this year. “We’re proud of the environment we’ve been able to build and maintain throughout Magical Elves’ history, and we think it’s reflected in the number of long-tenured, talented people, both men and women, who’ve been able to grow into leadership positions and succeed here,” she says. She’s been credited as a creative EP on shows including “Nailed It!,” “Top Chef,” “The Real L Word” and “Project Runway.”

What specifically does your company do to support and elevate the women who work there?
Having been a part of the Magical Elves team since their first project, I can truly say that partnership between co-founders Jane Lipsitz and Dan Cutforth really set the tone for collaboration and inclusion at the company. We’re proud of the environment we’ve been able to build and maintain throughout Magical Elves’ history, and we think it’s reflected in the number of long-tenured, talented people, both men and women, who’ve been able to grow into leadership positions and succeed here. We’re committed to keeping that legacy alive by continuing to identify strong, diverse, intelligent, and talented individuals in the television community and empower them with opportunities to succeed.

What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?
I was lucky to have parents that reinforced this sentiment, but I’d stick with the advice to ignore anyone that tries to put doubt into your mind as to what you can accomplish, and to always be confident in expressing your own point of view.

What changes, if any, has your company enacted since the dawning of the #MeToo movement, and what results have ensued?
I’m grateful that my experience at Magical Elves has always been characterized by support from women, but I think as an industry, women have become much more aware of the need to support other women. It’s a particular point that is being talked about much more now.

Which current shows best reflect the kind of women’s roles you like to see and why?
Women are complex and interesting people, and the last couple of years has given us so many strong, fascinating female characters. Shows like Killing Eve, Handmaid’s Tale, and movies like Wonder Woman all have amazing performances and we’re getting to see women as complicated and real people.

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